Manchester City secured their spot in the Capital One Cup semi-finals with a 3-1 victory over Leicester City.

The Foxes headed into the tie in optimistic mood, with the prospect of a cup upset on the cards. However, it took just eight minutes for the Premier League side to find the back of the net courtesy of an Aleksandar Kolarov free-kick. The Serbian – who has been a peripheral figure at the Etihad Stadium – has a reputation for his set-piece prowess, and certainly delivered as his 30-yeard effort sailed past Kasper Schmeichel and into the top corner.

From then on the Sky Blues were on top in the clash, with the Championship side’s goalkeeper called into action on a number of occasions to keep the score down.

But, there was little he could do in the 41st minute to prevent Edin Dzeko from doubling City’s advantage. The Bosnian ace – one of a number of changes from his side’s 6-3 thumping of Arsenal over the weekend – nodded home from close range from a James Milner cross.

The second-half began in much the same fashion as the first ended, with Dzeko needing just over five minutes to notch his second of the game. He once again latched onto a ball from Milner to drill home from just inside the penalty area.

However, Manuel Pellegrini’s men didn’t have it all their own way, with Lloyd Dyer pulling one back for Leicester. The winger’s effort took a deflection off of Vincent Kompany on its way into the net, leaving Joe Hart helpless.

The 31-year-old’s effort was not enough to set up a barnstorming finish though, as City eased to victory.

One obvious downside for Pellegrini was Pablo Zabaleta’s injury. The Argentine limped off in the first-half with what appeared to be a hamstring problem, and will join compatriot Sergio Aguero on the sidelines for the hectic Christmas schedule.

The result puts City in the pot for the semi-finals with Sunderland, who beat Chelsea, while Tottenham v West Ham, Manchester United v Stoke this evening will decide the two remaining slots.

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